U.S. patent application number 14/466202 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-26 for relaying device, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions for relaying device, and system comprising image processing device and relaying device.
This patent application is currently assigned to BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA. The applicant listed for this patent is BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Masayuki ISHIBASHI, Ken SAITO.
Application Number | 20150055178 14/466202 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52480123 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150055178 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ISHIBASHI; Masayuki ; et
al. |
February 26, 2015 |
RELAYING DEVICE, NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM
STORING COMPUTER-READABLE INSTRUCTIONS FOR RELAYING DEVICE, AND
SYSTEM COMPRISING IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND RELAYING DEVICE
Abstract
A relaying device may send, to the image processing device,
first screen information for causing a first screen to be displayed
on a display unit of an image processing device. The first screen
may be configured to receive selection as to whether to execute a
second print process or a first print process at the image
processing device. The second print process may be process using
print information received by the image processing device and
performed prior to the second print process. The relaying device
may send first print information used for the first print process
to the image processing device in a case that first
process-identification information is received from the image
processing device. The relaying device may send second print
information used for the second print process to the image
processing device in a case that second process-identification
information is received from the image processing device.
Inventors: |
ISHIBASHI; Masayuki;
(Nagoya-shi, JP) ; SAITO; Ken; (Tokoname-shi,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Nagoya-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI
KAISHA
Nagoya-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
52480123 |
Appl. No.: |
14/466202 |
Filed: |
August 22, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/1206 20130101;
G06F 3/1258 20130101; G06F 3/1288 20130101; G06F 3/1256 20130101;
H04N 1/00 20130101; G06F 3/1257 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.15 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/12 20060101
G06F003/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 23, 2013 |
JP |
2013-173681 |
Claims
1. A relaying device comprising: a network interface configured to
connect with a network; a processor coupled to the network
interface; and a memory storing computer-readable instructions, the
computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor,
causing the relaying device to perform: sending, to the image
processing device via the network interface, first screen
information for causing a first screen to be displayed on a display
unit of an image processing device which is connected with the
network, the first screen information including an instruction to
display the first screen for receiving selection as to whether to
execute a first print process or a second print process at the
image processing device, the second print process being a process
using print information received from the network by the image
processing device, and the first print process being performed
prior to the second print process; sending first print information
used for the first print process to the image processing device via
the network interface in a case that first process-identification
information indicating execution of the first print process is
received via the network interface from the image processing
device, after sending the first screen information; and sending
second print information used for the second print process to the
image processing device via the network interface in a case that
second process-identification information indicating execution of
the second print process is received via the network interface from
the image processing device, after sending the first screen
information.
2. The relaying device as in claim 1, wherein the computer-readable
instructions cause the relaying device to perform: after sending
the first print information, in a case that information indicating
completion of the first print process has been received from the
image processing device via the network interface, sending second
screen information for causing a second screen to be displayed on
the display unit of the image processing device to the image
processing device via the network interface, the second screen
being configured to receive selection as to whether to execute the
second print process at the image processing device; and after
sending the second screen information, in a case that second
process identification information indicating execution of the
second print process is received via the network interface from the
image processing device, sending second print information used for
the second print process to the image processing device via the
network interface.
3. The relaying device as in claim 1, wherein in the case that
first process-identification information indicating execution of
the first print process is received from the image processing
device, the first print information used for the first print
process is sent to the image processing device, the first print
information including information for a trial print process having
a lower printing quality than a printing quality of the second
print process.
4. The relaying device as in claim 1, wherein in the case that
first process-identification information indicating execution of
the first print process is received from the image processing
device, the first print information used for the first print
process is sent to the image processing device, the first print
information including information for a trial print process to
print an image on a different type of paper from a type of paper
printed on by the second print process.
5. The relaying device as in claim 1, wherein in the case that
first process-identification information indicating execution of
the first print process is received from the image processing
device, the first print information used for the first print
process is sent to the image processing device, the first print
information including information for a trial print process to
print one image from among a plurality of images to be printed by
the second print process.
6. The relaying device as in claim 1, wherein in the case that
first process-identification information indicating execution of
the first print process is received from the image processing
device, the first print information used for the first print
process is sent to the image processing device, the first print
information including information for a process to print one or
more of additional image with an image to be printed by the second
print process.
7. The relaying device as in claim 1, wherein the computer-readable
instructions cause the relaying device to perform: generating first
image information that is a base of an image to be printed by the
first print process; sending the generated first image information
as the first print information; generating second image information
that is a base of an image to be printed by the second print
process and is different from the first image information; and
sending the generated second image information as the second print
information.
8. The relaying device as in claim 1, wherein the computer-readable
instructions cause the relaying device to perform: sending first
request command information for causing the image processing device
to send first demand information as the first print information,
the first image information being a base of an image to be printed
by the first print process, the first demand information demanding
the image processing device to send the first image information to
the relaying device; after sending the first request command
information, in a case that the first demand information is
received from the image processing device via the network
interface, sending the first image information to the image
processing device via the network interface; sending second request
command information for causing the image processing device to send
second demand information as the second print information, the
second image information being a base of an image to be printed by
the second print process and being different from the first image
information, the second demand information demanding the image
processing device to send the second image information to the
relaying device; and after sending the second request command
information, in a case that the second demand information is
received from the image processing device via the network
interface, sending the second image information to the image
processing device via the network interface.
9. The relaying device as in claim 7, wherein the computer-readable
instructions cause the relaying device to perform: sending third
screen information for causing a third screen to be displayed on
the display unit to the image processing device via the network
interface, the third screen information including an instruction to
display the third screen for accepting input of image designating
information designating pre-processing image information;
generating the first image information in a case that the image
designating information is received from the image processing
device via the network interface, after sending the third screen
information, the generating of the first image information being
executed by performing a first image processing to pre-processing
image information designated by the image designating information
received from the image processing device; and generating the
second image information by performing a second image processing to
the received pre-processing image information, the second image
processing being different from the first image processing.
10. The relaying device as in claim 7, wherein the
computer-readable instructions cause the relaying device to
perform: sending read-instruction information instructing reading
of a draft to the image processing device via the network
interface; generating the first image information in a case that
the pre-processing image information is received from the image
processing device via the network interface, after sending the
read-instruction information, the generating of the first image
information being executed by performing a first image processing
to received pre-processing image information; and generating the
second image information by performing a second image processing to
the received pre-processing image information, the second image
processing being different from the first image processing, wherein
the pre-processing image information subject to the first image
processing and the pre-processing image information subject to the
second image processing are identical.
11. The relaying device as in claim 9, wherein the
computer-readable instructions cause the relaying device to
perform: sending fourth screen information for causing a fourth
screen to be displayed on the display unit to the image processing
device via the network interface, the fourth screen information
including an instruction to display the fourth screen for receiving
selection on which image processing is to be performed from among
several kinds of image processings performed to the pre-processing
image information; generating the second image information in a
case that image processing identification information indicating
which image processing is to be performed is received from the
image processing device via the network interface, the generating
of the second image information being executed by performing an
image processing indicated by the image processing identification
information as the second image processing to the pre-processing
image information; and generating the first image information by
performing an image processing as the first image processing on the
pre-processing image information, the image processing being an
image processing for obtaining image information for trial printing
of the second image information and different from the second image
processing.
12. The relaying device as in claim 1, wherein the
computer-readable instructions cause the relaying device to
perform: sending, as the first print information, a first print
parameter for instructing several kinds of print settings regarding
the first print process; and sending, as the second print
information, a second print parameter for instructing several kinds
of print settings regarding the second print process, the second
print parameter being different from the first print parameter.
13. The relaying device as in claim 1, wherein the
computer-readable instructions cause the relaying device to
perform: sending fifth screen information via the network
interface, in a case that information indicating completion of the
first print process is received from the image processing device
via the network interface, the fifth screen information causes a
fifth screen to be displayed on the display unit to the image
processing device, the fifth screen information including an
instruction to display the fifth screen for accepting an input of
second print setting information regarding a print setting of the
second print process; and sending the print parameter as the second
print information in a case that the second print setting
information is received from the image processing device via the
network interface, after sending the fifth screen information, the
print parameter being a print parameter for instructing several
kinds of print settings regarding the second print process and
having been generated according to the second print setting
information.
14. The relaying device as in claim 1, further comprising: a
storage unit configured to store the pre-determined first print
parameter for instructing several kinds of print settings regarding
the first print process, wherein the computer-readable instructions
cause the relaying device to perform sending the first print
parameter stored in the storage unit as the first print information
in a case that first process identification information indicating
execution of the first print process is received from the image
processing device via the network interface.
15. The relaying device as in claim 1, further comprising: a first
server device; and a mediation server, wherein the first server
device comprises a first network interface configured to connect
with the network and is configured to store the first print
information and the second print information, the mediation server
comprises: a second network interface configured to connect with
the network; and a mediation server processor coupled to the second
network interface, wherein the computer-readable instructions cause
the mediation server to perform: sending, to the image processing
device via the second network interface, first reception command
information for requesting the image processing device to receive
the first print information from the first server device; and
sending, to the image processing device via the second network
interface, second reception command information for requesting the
image processing device to receive the second print information
from the first server device.
16. The relaying device as in claim 9, further comprising: a second
server device; and a mediation server, wherein the second server
device comprises a third network interface configured to connect
with the network and is configured to perform the select image
processing, the mediation server comprises: a second network
interface configured to connect with the network; and a mediation
server processor coupled to the second network interface, wherein
the computer-readable instructions cause the mediation server to
perform: sending output control information to the image processing
device via the second network interface, the output control
information being for causing the image processing device to send
the pre-processing information to the second server device;
sending, to the image processing device via the second network
interface, first reception command information for commanding the
image processing device to receive the first print information from
the second server device; and sending, to the image processing
device via the second network interface, second reception command
information for commanding the image processing device to receive
the second print information from the second server device.
17. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing
computer-readable instructions for a relaying device, the relaying
device comprising: a network interface configured to connect with a
network; a processor coupled to the network interface; and a memory
storing computer-readable instructions, the computer-readable
instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the relaying
device to perform: sending, to the image processing device via the
network interface, first screen information for causing a first
screen to be displayed on a display unit of an image processing
device which is connected with the network, the first screen
information including an instruction to display the first screen
for receiving selection as to whether to execute a first print
process or a second print process at the image processing device,
the second print process being a process using print information
received from the network by the image processing device, and the
first print process being performed prior to the second print
process; sending first print information used for the first print
process to the image processing device via the network interface in
a case that first process-identification information indicating
execution of the first print process is received via the network
interface from the image processing device, after sending the first
screen information; and sending second print information used for
the second print process to the image processing device via the
network interface in a case that second process-identification
information indicating execution of the second print process is
received via the network interface from the image processing
device, after sending the first screen information.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium as in claim
17, wherein the computer-readable instructions cause the relaying
device to perform: after sending the first print information, in a
case that information indicating completion of the first print
process has been received from the image processing device via the
network interface, sending second screen information for causing a
second screen to be displayed on the display unit of the image
processing device to the image processing device via the network
interface, the second screen being configured to receive selection
as to whether to execute the second print process at the image
processing device; and after sending the second screen information,
in a case that second process identification information indicating
execution of the second print process is received via the network
interface from the image processing device, sending second print
information used for the second print process to the image
processing device via the network interface.
19. A system comprising an image processing device and a relaying
device, the image processing device comprising: a first network
interface configured to connect with a network; and a control
device coupled to the first network interface, the relaying device
comprising: a second network interface configured to connect with
the network; a processor coupled to the second network interface;
and a memory storing computer-readable instructions, wherein the
computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor,
cause the relaying device to perform: sending, to the image
processing device via the second network interface, first screen
information for causing a first screen to be displayed on a display
unit of the image processing device, the first screen information
including an instruction to display the first screen for receiving
selection as to whether to execute a first print process or a
second print process at the image processing device, the second
print process being a process using print information received from
the network by the image processing device, and the first print
process being performed prior to the second print process; the
control device of the image processing device is configured to
perform: receiving the first screen information from the relaying
device via the first network interface; sending, to the relaying
device via the first network interface, first
process-identification information indicating execution of the
first print process; and sending, to the relaying device via the
first network interface, second process-identification information
indicating execution of the second print process, the
computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor,
further cause the relaying device to perform: sending first print
information used for the first print process to the image
processing device via the second network interface in a case that
the first process-identification information is received via the
second network interface from the image processing device, after
sending the first screen information; and sending second print
information used for the second print process to the image
processing device via the second network interface in a case that
the second process-identification information is received via the
second network interface from the image processing device, after
sending the first screen information.
20. The system as in claim 19, wherein the computer-readable
instructions cause the relaying device to perform: after sending
the first print information, in a case that information indicating
completion of the first print process has been received from the
image processing device via the second network interface, sending
second screen information for causing a second screen to be
displayed on the display unit of the image processing device to the
image processing device via the second network interface, the
second screen being configured to receive selection as to whether
to execute the second print process at the image processing device;
and after sending the second screen information, in a case that
second process identification information indicating execution of
the second print process is received via the second network
interface from the image processing device, sending second print
information used for the second print process to the image
processing device via the second network interface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent
Application No. 2013-173681, filed on Aug. 23, 2013, the contents
of which are hereby incorporated by reference into the present
application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present specification discloses a relaying device
connected with an image processing device via a network.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0003] A known image processing device has a web browser integrated
therein, and has a function for downloading and printing a web
page. Further, the image processing device has a function for
sending scan data, which was created by scanning a document and
converted to a predetermined format such as a Joint Photographic
Experts Group (referred to as JPEG) format, to a web server.
SUMMARY
[0004] In the present specification, a novel technique is disclosed
for causing an image processing device to obtain print information,
and to cause the image processing device to execute a print process
using the obtained print information.
[0005] In one aspect of the teachings disclosed herein, a relaying
device may be provided. The relaying device may comprise: a network
interface configured to connect with a network; a processor coupled
to the network interface; and a memory storing computer-readable
instructions. The computer-readable instructions, when executed by
the processor, may cause the relaying device to perform sending, to
the image processing device via the network interface, first screen
information for causing a first screen to be displayed on a display
unit of an image processing device which is connected with the
network. The first screen information may include an instruction to
display the first screen for receiving selection as to whether to
execute a first print process or a second print process at the
image processing device. The second print process may be a process
using print information received from the network by the image
processing device. The first print process may be performed prior
to the second print process. The computer-readable instructions may
cause the relaying device to perform sending first print
information used for the first print process to the image
processing device via the network interface in a case that first
process-identification information indicating execution of the
first print process is received via the network interface from the
image processing device, after sending the first screen
information. The computer-readable instructions may cause the
relaying device to perform sending second print information used
for the second print process to the image processing device via the
network interface in a case that second process-identification
information indicating execution of the second print process is
received via the network interface from the image processing
device, after sending the first screen information.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a communication
system;
[0007] FIG. 2 shows a sequence diagram of various processing
executed by each device;
[0008] FIG. 3 shows a sequence diagram of various processing
executed by each device;
[0009] FIG. 4 shows a sequence diagram of various processing
executed by each device;
[0010] FIG. 5 shows a sequence diagram of various processing
executed by each device;
[0011] FIG. 6 shows a sequence diagram of various processing
executed by each device;
[0012] FIG. 7 shows a sequence diagram of various processing
executed by each device;
[0013] FIG. 8 shows a sequence diagram of various processing
executed by each device;
[0014] FIG. 9 shows a sequence diagram of various processing
executed by each device;
[0015] FIG. 10 shows an example of a main screen display;
[0016] FIG. 11 shows an example of an application selection screen
display;
[0017] FIG. 12 shows an example of a first print mode selection
screen display;
[0018] FIG. 13 shows an example of a second print mode selection
screen display;
[0019] FIG. 14 shows an example of a second print parameter setting
screen display;
[0020] FIG. 15 shows an example of a saving mode selection screen
display;
[0021] FIG. 16 shows an example of a service selection screen
display;
[0022] FIG. 17 shows an example of the first print mode selection
screen display;
[0023] FIG. 18 shows an example of a first print result;
[0024] FIG. 19 shows an example of a second print result;
[0025] FIG. 20 shows a sequence diagram of various processing
executed by each device; and
[0026] FIG. 21 shows an example of a first print setting screen
display.
EMBODIMENT
[0027] (System Configuration)
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, a communication system 2 includes a
multi-function peripheral 10, a mediation server 60, contents
servers 100 and 110 and a data processing server 200. The
multi-function peripheral 10 is connected with the Internet 6 via a
LAN 4. The mediation server 60, the contents servers 100 and 110
and the data processing server 200 are connected with the Internet
6.
[0029] The multi-function peripheral 10, the mediation server 60,
and the data processing server 200 perform communication by, e.g.,
HTTP (referred to as HyperText Transfer Protocol) or HTTPS
(referred to as HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure). More
specifically, the multi-function peripheral 10 operates as a HTTP
client. The data processing server 200 operates as a HTTP server.
On the other hand, the mediation server 60 operates as a HTTP
server in communication with the multi-function peripheral 10, and
operates as a HTTP client in communication with the data processing
server 200, thereby being capable of executing communication with
the multi-function peripheral 10 and communication with the data
processing server 200 without being obstructed by a firewall or the
like provided in the LAN 4, etc.
[0030] (Structure of Multi-Function Peripheral 10)
[0031] The multi-function peripheral 10 may execute a Printing
function, a Scan function, a Copy function, a FAX function, or the
like. The multi-function peripheral 10 comprises an operating unit
12, a display unit 14, a network interface (described as "I/F,"
hereinafter) 16, a print executing unit 18, a scan executing unit
19, and a controller 20. The operating unit 12 has a plurality of
keys. A user can input various instructions to the multi-function
peripheral 10 by operating the operating unit 12. The display unit
14 is a display for displaying various pieces of information. The
network I/F 16 is connected to the LAN 4. The multi-function
peripheral 10 is capable of communicating with the mediation server
60, the data processing server 200, etc. via the network I/F 16.
The print executing unit 18 comprises an inkjet or laser printing
mechanism. The scan executing unit 19 comprises a scan mechanism
such as a CCD or CIS. The controller 20 comprises a CPU 22 and a
memory 24.
[0032] A program 25 is included in the memory 24. The CPU 22
executes various processes in accordance with program 25 stored in
the memory 24. The memory 24 may be a computer readable storage
medium. The computer readable storage medium is a non-transitory
medium, such as a ROM, RAM, flash memory, hard disk, etc. An
electrical signal carrying a program to be downloaded from a
server, etc. on the Internet is not included in the non-transitory
medium.
[0033] (Structure of Mediation Server 60)
[0034] The mediation server 60 is a server independent of the data
processing server 200 and the contents servers 100 and 110. The
mediation server 60 is a server for mediating communication of
various data between the data processing server 200 and the
multi-function peripheral 10. The mediation server 60 is a server
provided by a vendor or a manufacturer of the multi-function
peripheral 10. The mediation server 60 includes a network I/F 62
and a controller 70. The mediation server 60 is capable of
communicating with the multi-function peripheral 10, the contents
servers 100 and 110, the data processing server 200, etc. via the
network I/F 62. The controller 70 comprises a CPU 72 and a memory
74. A program 75 and a print parameter storage area 76 are stored
in the memory 74. The CPU 72 executes various processes in
accordance with the program 75. As with the memory 24, the memory
74 may be a computer readable storage medium.
[0035] The print parameter storage area 76 is an area for storing a
first print parameter. The first print parameter is information for
instructing various print settings in a first print process, to be
described. Examples of the print setting are printing paper size
(e.g., A4 size, postcard size), printing paper type (e.g., normal
paper, inkjet paper, glossy paper), print resolution (e.g., high,
medium, low), and print mode (e.g., color mode, monochrome mode).
The first print parameter may be set in advance by a user or the
like. The first print parameter may be set such that, for example,
printing paper size is "A4 size", printing paper type is "normal
paper", print resolution is "low", and print mode is "color
mode".
[0036] (Structure of the First Data Processing Server 200)
[0037] The data processing server 200 is a server configured as a
separate entity from the mediation server 60 and the contents
servers 100 and 110. The data processing server 200 may be a server
which is provided to a vendor of the multi-function peripheral 10.
The data processing server 200 comprises a network interface 262
and a controller 270. The controller 270 comprises a CPU 272 and
memory 274. As with the memory 24, the memory 274 may be a computer
readable storage medium. The memory 274 stores a program 275. The
CPU 272 executes various processing according to the program 275.
The program 275 includes an A application 281, a B application 282,
and a C application 283. The A application 281 to the C application
283 are applications configured to execute various image
processing, such as image synthesis processing, image format
conversion processing, etc.
[0038] (Structure of Contents Servers 100 and 110)
[0039] The contents servers 100 and 110 each are a server used for
an online service provided by the vender of the multi-function
peripheral 10. The contents servers 100 and 110 are so called
storage servers. Note that the contents servers 100 and 110 may be
servers used for an online service for lending file storage areas
of the respective contents servers 100 and 110 to a user. The
online service includes "Evernote (registered trademark of Evernote
Corporation)", "Google (registered trademark of Google, Inc.)
Docs", "PICASA (registered trademark of Google, Inc.), "FACEBOOK
(registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.)", etc. A user of the
online service can upload or download various data to or from a
storage area assigned to the user via the Internet 6. The contents
server 100 comprises a data storage area 101. The data storage area
101 is an area storing various data. The various data stored in the
data storage area 101 may be described as contents data.
[0040] Some features relating to the description in the present
specification are hereby explained. In the present specification,
the description "the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 receives
various information" includes the technical meaning "the CPU 72 of
the mediation server 60 receives various information via the
network interface 62". Further, the description "the CPU 72 of the
mediation server 60 sends various information" includes the
technical meaning "the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 outputs
various information via the network interface 62". Similar features
exist regarding the CPU 272 of the data processing server 200 and
the network interface 262. Similar features exist regarding the CPU
22 of the multi-function peripheral 10 and the network interface
16.
[0041] Here, a definition of the words "data" and "information"
will be explained. In the present specification, "information" is
used as a concept superordinate to "data". Consequently, "A data"
may be rephrased as "A information". Further, even if the
"information" has a different format as "data" (e.g., text format,
binary format, flag format, etc.), this is treated as the same
information as long as it is recognized that the meaning is the
same. For example, as long as the device treats this as information
indicating that the number of print copies is two parts, data of
the text format "COPY=2", and data of the binary format "10" are
the same information.
[0042] In the present specification, a case is explained in which
the mediation server 60, the data processing server 200 and the
contents servers 100 and 110 are connected by the Internet 6 (that
is, when a device functioning as the mediation server 60, a device
functioning as the data processing server 200 and devices
functioning as the contents servers 100 and 110 are disposed at
physically distant positions), but other configurations are
possible. The mediation server 60 and the data processing server
200 may be realized as a single server. In this case, in the single
server, a program which functions as the mediation server 60 and a
program which functions as the data processing server 200 run, and
communication between the programs is performed via a bus in the
server. When the mediation server 60 and the data processing server
200 are realized as a single server, in the present specification,
communication which is explained as communication between the
mediation server 60 and the data processing server 200 may be taken
to mean communication between the program which functions as the
mediation server 60 and the program which functions as the data
processing server 200. Further, a configuration may be realized in
which a program which functions as the mediation server 60, and
moreover also functions as the data processing server 200, runs on
a single server. In this case, in the present specification,
communication which is explained as communication between the
mediation server 60 and the data processing server 200 may replaced
with passing of data within the program which functions as the
mediation server 60 and which moreover functions as the data
processing server 200.
[0043] (Operation of Communication System)
[0044] Operation of the communication system 2 will be described
using sequence diagrams of FIGS. 2 to 9. In receiving a command for
displaying a main screen, the CPU 22 of the multi-function
peripheral 10 cause the display unit 14 to display the main screen
in S510. The command for displaying the main screen may be input
from the operating unit 12 by a user. Data for displaying the main
screen may be preliminarily stored in the memory 24. An example of
the main screen 201 is shown in FIG. 10. The main screen 201
includes button images B1 and B2. The button images B1 and B2 are
images for receiving an input of an execution order among a
plurality of functions. A function received by the button image B1
is an application function. The application function is a function
that performs applied processing, such as a process for generating
an image for an address side or back side of a postcard. A function
received by the button image B2 is a download print. The download
print is a function that executes a printing based on data that was
downloaded from the contents server to the multi-function
peripheral 10.
[0045] When an operation of selecting the button image B1 or B2 is
executed in the multi-function peripheral 10, in S512 the CPU 22
sends function identification information to the mediation server
60. The function identification information is information
indicating a function associated with the selected button image. An
example of the function identification information is "application
function", which is the name of the button image B1. That is, the
function identification information may be information indicating
the selected button.
[0046] In receiving function identification information from the
multi-function peripheral 10, in S514 the CPU 72 of the mediation
server 60 determines a function indicated by the function
identification information. In case the application function is
indicated (S514: application function), the process proceeds to
S929. In case the application function is indicated (S514:
application function), the process proceeds to S518. In S518, the
CPU 72 specifies an application selection screen 211 as the screen
data to be sent next to the multi-function peripheral 10. The
application selection screen 211 is a screen for receiving
selection of one or more applications among the plurality of the
application functions.
[0047] In S518, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 generates
application selection screen data for causing the application
selection screen 211 to be displayed. Information (not shown)
indicating which type of information should be included in the
application selection screen data is stored in the memory 74. The
CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 generates the application
selection screen data according to this information. The following
is included in the application selection screen data: information
indicating that button images B11 to B13 are included in the
application selection screen 211; information indicating that a
screen for selecting one of the button images B11 to B13 is
displayed; information indicating that "A application", "B
application", "C application" correspond respectively to the
respective button images B11 to B13; and information indicating a
character string to be attached to the button images B11 to B13 and
displayed. In S519, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 sends the
application selection screen data to the multi-function peripheral
10.
[0048] In receiving the application selection screen data from the
mediation server 60, in S521 the CPU 22 of the multi-function
peripheral 10 causes the application selection screen 211 to be
displayed on the display unit 14. As shown in FIG. 11, the
application selection screen 211 includes the button images B11 to
B13. Each of the button images B11 to B13 is an image for receiving
selection of the application functions of each of the A application
281 to the C application 283.
[0049] Moreover, information for accessing bitmap information for
displaying an image of the button images B11 to B13 is included in
the application selection screen data received from the mediation
server 60. Based on this information, the CPU 22 obtains the bitmap
information from the mediation server 60, and causes the
application selection screen 211 to be displayed on the display
unit 14. Consequently, it is not necessary to include the bitmap
information for displaying an image of the button images B11 to B13
in the application selection screen data. The user operates the
operating unit 12 to select a button image representing a desired
application from the application selection screen 211.
[0050] When the operation of selecting the button image in the
multi-function peripheral 10 is performed, in S531 the CPU 22 of
the multi-function peripheral 10 sends application identification
information to the mediation server 60. The application
identification information is information for identifying the
selected application function. An example of the application
identification information is the name of the application function.
That is, the application identification information may be
information indicating the selected button.
[0051] In S550, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 determines
the data processing to be executed by the data processing server
200. An example of the data processing to be executed by the data
processing server 200 is first to third data processings, to be
described. The data processing to be executed by the data
processing server 200 may be registered in advance in the mediation
server 60 by the user or the like of the multi-function peripheral
10. In an illustrative example of the present embodiment, a case is
described in which it is determined that the first to third data
processings are the data processings to be executed by the data
processing server 200.
[0052] In S561, the CPU 72 generates scan upload execution command
information. The scan upload execution command information is
information commanding the multi-function peripheral 10 to execute
uploading of upload data generated by a scan process to the data
processing server 200. In S563, the CPU 72 sends the scan upload
execution command information to the multi-function peripheral 10.
In S565, the CPU 22 of the multi-function peripheral 10 executes a
scan of an image. Specifically, the user sets a paper, on which a
prescribed image has been recorded, on the scan executing unit 19,
and presses a start reading button of the operating unit 12,
whereupon the CPU 22 uses the scan executing unit 19 to read the
image recorded on the paper, and creates the upload data from the
image data that was read.
[0053] In S571, the CPU 22 sends data processing upload destination
Uniform Resource Locator (referred to as URL) reception request
information and template reception request information to the
mediation server 60. The "data processing upload" is a process for
uploading various data, for data processing, to the data processing
server 200. The data processing upload destination URL reception
request information is information for requesting a data processing
upload destination URL, this being information needed for uploading
to the data processing server 200. The template reception request
information is information for requesting a template of an upload
message (to be described).
[0054] In S573, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 sends data ID
for data processing upload reception request information to the
data processing server 200. The data ID for data processing upload
reception request information is information for requesting, from
the data processing server 200, a data ID for data processing
upload, this being for identifying the upload data uploaded to the
data processing server 200. In S575, the CPU 272 of the first data
processing server 200 sends the data ID for data processing upload
to the mediation server 60.
[0055] In S577, the CPU 72 creates a template for an upload
message. A template for an upload message is a template for a
message when uploading upload data to the data processing server.
In S579, the CPU 72 sends a data processing upload destination URL
and upload message template to the multi-function peripheral 10. An
example of the data processing upload destination URL is the URL of
the data processing server 200.
[0056] In S581, the CPU 22 creates an upload message based on the
received template, the received data processing upload destination
URL, and the upload data created in S565. Specifically, the
multi-function peripheral 10 stores binary data as the upload data,
the data processing upload destination URL, the data size of the
upload data, and various other information at prescribed positions
in the template received from the mediation server 60. By this
means, an upload message suitable for the data processing server
200 can be created.
[0057] In S583, the CPU 22 sends the upload message to the data
processing server 200. In S585, the CPU 272 of the data processing
server 200 sends data processing upload result information to the
multi-function peripheral 10. The data processing upload result
information is information indicating whether the upload data was
normally uploaded to the data processing server 200. In S587, the
CPU 22 of the multi-function peripheral 10 transfers the received
data processing upload result information to the mediation server
60.
[0058] In S589, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 decodes the
data processing upload result information and creates a decoding
result. The data processing upload result information is
information sent from the data processing server 200 to the
multi-function peripheral 10, and thus has specifications
particular to the data processing server 200. Hence by using a
decoding program, not shown, included in the program 75 stored by
the mediation server 60, the data processing upload result
information can be decoded. A decoding result is a message in a
format decodable by the multi-function peripheral 10. The decoding
result includes a data processing upload result included in the
decoded data processing upload result information.
[0059] In S601, the CPU 72 sends first data processing request
information to the data processing server 200. The first data
processing request information is information for requesting the
first data processing to be executed on the upload data uploaded to
the data processing server 200 in S583, and first image data to be
generated. The contents of the first image data will be described
later. If a plurality of upload data exists, the execution of the
first data processing may be requested for one piece of upload data
among the plurality of upload data. In this case, the execution of
the first data processing may be requested for upload data
corresponding to a first page.
[0060] In S603, the CPU 72 receives first acceptance information
from the data processing server 200. The first acceptance
information is information for notifying that an execution request
of the first data processing has been accepted. The first
acceptance information may include a first data processing job ID
which is information for identifying the first data processing.
[0061] In S605, the CPU 72 sends second data processing request
information to the data processing server 200. The second data
processing request information is information for requesting the
second data processing to be executed on the upload data uploaded
to the data processing server 200 in S583, and second image data to
be generated. The contents of the second image data will be
described later. In S607, the CPU 72 receives second acceptance
information from the data processing server 200. The second
acceptance information is information for notifying that an
execution request of the second data processing has been accepted.
The second acceptance information may include a second data
processing job ID which is information for identifying the second
data processing.
[0062] In S609, the CPU 72 sends third data processing request
information to the data processing server 200. The third data
processing request information is information for requesting the
third data processing to be executed on the upload data uploaded in
S583 to the data processing server 200, and third image data to be
generated. The contents of the third image data will be described
later. In S611, the CPU 72 receives third acceptance information
from the data processing server 200. The third acceptance
information is information for notifying that an execution request
of the third data processing has been accepted. The third
acceptance information may include a third data processing job ID
which is information for identifying the third data processing.
[0063] The first to third data processing request information may
be described by a URL description method.
[0064] Contents of first to third image data will be described. The
first image data is data used in a first print process. The second
image data is data used in a second print process. The first print
process is a process executed prior to the second print process. A
first print result 301, which is an example of a print result
obtained in the first print process, is shown in FIG. 18. A second
print result 302, which is an example of a print result obtained in
the second print process, is shown in FIG. 19. The first print
result 301 is created using A4 size printing paper, which is the
most common paper size. The second print result 302 is created
using postcard size printing paper. A second print image G2 and
message images M21, M22 are included in the first print result 301.
The second print image G2 is an image in which an image the same as
the image of the second print result 302 (see FIG. 19) is printed
in postcard size, this being the paper size used in the second
print process. By forming the first print result 301 before forming
the second print result 302, it is possible to confirm the print
mode in the second print result 302.
[0065] The message image M21 is an image for notifying the user
that the first print result 301 is for confirming the print mode in
the second print result 302. In other words, the message image M21
is an image for notifying the user that the first print process and
the second print process are different print processes, and the
first print result 301 is a result created by the first print
process. Further, the message image M21 is an image for notifying
the user of a method of positioning a printing paper when the
second print process is to be executed. An example of the image for
notifying the user of the method of positioning the printing paper
is an image including a character string "If proceeding to final
printing, please set postcard with printing face down in recording
paper tray". A "final" printing herein refers to printing that is
performed to print out a final printed product. The term "final"
printing is used as an antonym of "trial" printing. The message
image M22 is an image for notifying the user of a printing
direction of the image to be printed in the second print process.
In the first print result 301 of FIG. 18, the message image M22
indicates that a top side of the printing paper corresponds to an
inner side of the recording paper tray. Since the paper size of the
first print result 301 is larger than the paper size of the second
print result 302, an area in which the second print image G2 is
printed, and a blank area are formed in the first print result 301.
The message images M21 and M22 are printed in this blank area.
Thus, when the print mode of the second print image G2 is to be
confirmed, the presence of the message images M21 and M22 does not
impede the confirmation operation.
[0066] Print quality of the first print result 301 may be lower
than print quality of the second print result 302. For example, the
first print result 301 may have a lower print resolution than the
second print result 302. Further, for example, a grade (e.g.,
normal paper) of the printing paper used for printing the first
print result 301 may be lower than a grade (e.g., inkjet paper) of
the printing paper used for printing the second print result
302.
[0067] The third image data is data used in a saving process. The
saving process is a process for storing image data in memory 24 of
the multi-function peripheral 10. The third image data is data that
is generated by converting the data format of the second image data
to a data format suitable for storage in the multi-function
peripheral 10. An example of the data format of the third image
data is JPEG format, PNG format, etc.
[0068] In S601, S605, S609, three processings, these being the
first to third data processings, are executed on the upload data in
common. The first to third data processings may be executed in
parallel in the data processing server 200, or may be executed
serially. The upload data which is a source of the processings may
be stored in the data processing server 200 for a prescribed period
(e.g., 1 hour) for completing all the first to third data
processings.
[0069] Processing contents of a first print processing period P1
(S615 to S769) will be described. The first print processing period
P1 is a period for executing the first print process. In S615, the
CPU 72 generates first print mode selection screen data for causing
a first print mode selection screen 212 to be displayed. In S617,
the CPU 72 sends the first print mode selection screen data to the
multi-function peripheral 10.
[0070] When receiving the first print mode selection screen data
from the mediation server 60, in 5619 the CPU 22 of the
multi-function peripheral 10 causes the first print mode selection
screen 212 to be displayed on the display unit 14. FIG. 12 shows an
example of the first print mode selection screen 212. The first
print mode selection screen 212 includes a message image M11 and
button images B31, B32. The message image M11 is an image for
requesting the user to select whether to execute the first print
process as a trial printing of the second print process. Further,
the button images B31 and B32 are images for receiving selection of
whether to execute the first print process.
[0071] The user operates the operating unit 12 to select the button
image B31 or B32. In S621, the CPU 22 sends first print mode
identification information, for identifying the instruction
contents of the user, to the mediation server 60. In S623, the CPU
72 of the mediation server 60 determines whether the instruction
contents of the user instruct execution of the first print process.
When a negative determination is made (S623: NO), the process
proceeds to S1615, and when a positive determination is made (S623:
YES), the process proceeds to S631.
[0072] In S631 to S651, first data processing wait processing A1 is
executed. The first data processing wait processing A1 is a process
causing the multi-function peripheral 10 to wait until the
completion of the first data processing when the first data
processing is being executed on the upload data. The data
processing server 200 executes the first data processing on the
upload data in response to the first data processing request
information received in S601. The first data processing may be
executed on each of upload data divided into prescribed data
amounts (e.g., 100 KB).
[0073] In S631, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 sends first
data processing completion confirmation request information to the
data processing server 200. The first data processing completion
confirmation request information is information for confirming with
the data processing server 200 whether the first data processing
requested from the data processing server 200 in S601 has been
completed. In order to identify the first data processing, the CPU
72 includes, in the first data processing completion confirmation
request information, the first acceptance information sent by the
data processing server 200 in S603.
[0074] In S632, the CPU 272 of the data processing server 200
determines whether the first data processing has been completed.
Specifically, the first data processing is specified based on the
first acceptance information included in the first data processing
completion confirmation request information Then, it is determined
whether the conversion of a prescribed data amount from a beginning
part of the upload data has been completed in the specified first
data processing. Specifically, in regards to the data processing
executed for 100K bytes at a time, it is determined whether this
processing of 100K bytes has been completed ; and similarly, in
regards to the data processing that processes all the upload data,
it is determined whether the data processing for all the upload
data has been completed. In case the first data processing has not
been completed (S632: NO), the process proceeds to S633.
[0075] In S633, the CPU sends to the mediation server 60 first data
processing incomplete notification information indicating that the
first data processing has not completed. In S635, the CPU 72 of the
mediation server 60 generates a wait command in response to the
reception of the first data processing incomplete notification
information. The wait command is a command to cause the
multi-function peripheral 10 to wait for the completion of the
first data processing.
[0076] In S637, the CPU 72 sends the wait command to the
multi-function peripheral 10. In S639, the CPU 22 of the
multi-function peripheral 10 executes wait processing to wait for
the completion of the first data processing. The wait processing
may for example be processing in which a timer which had been
started to detect a timeout of the first data processing is reset
and again started. Or, for example, the wait processing may be
processing in which the time until timeout of data processing is
lengthened by increasing the timeout time stored in memory 24 such
that the time until timeout of data processing is extended.
[0077] In S641, the CPU 22 sends to the mediation server 60 the
wait processing completion information indicating that wait
processing execution has completed. Then the process returns to
S631.
[0078] However, when in S632 it is determined that the first data
processing has completed (S632: YES), the process proceeds to S651.
In S651, the CPU 272 of the data processing server 200 sends to the
mediation server 60 the first data processing completion
notification information indicating that the first data processing
of a prescribed data amount in the leading portion of the upload
data has completed.
[0079] In S660, the CPU 272 of the mediation server 60 sends
generated data number query information to the data processing
server 200. The generated data number query information is
information for enquiring, from the data processing server 200,
about the number of pieces of first processed data that have been
generated by the first data processing. In S665, the CPU 272
receives, from the data processing server 200, first processed data
generation number information indicating the number of pieces of
first processed data that were generated.
[0080] The process S753 to S769 is a process for causing the
multi-function peripheral 10 to print the first processed data
generated by the first data processing. In S753, the CPU 72 of the
mediation server 60 generates first processed data reception
command information. The first processed data reception command
information is information for causing the multi-function
peripheral 10 to obtain the first processed data from the data
processing server 200. The first processed data reception command
information is also information for notifying the multi-function
peripheral 10 that the first data processing of a prescribed data
amount from the beginning part has been completed (S632: YES).
Further, a first print parameter being stored in the print
parameter storage area 76, and first processed number information
are added to the first processed data reception command
information. The first processed number information is the number
of pieces of first processed data that undergoes the print process.
The number of pieces of first processed data instructed by the
first processed number information may be "1" regardless of the
generated number of pieces of first processed data or the number of
print copies of the second print process (S1767). Further, the
first processed data reception command information may be described
by a URL (referred to as Uniform Resource Locator) description
method. In S757, the CPU 72 sends the first processed data
reception command information to the multi-function peripheral
10.
[0081] In S759, the CPU 22 of the multi-function peripheral 10
sends first download source URL request information and the first
processed data reception information request information to the
mediation server 60. The first download source URL request
information is information to request of the mediation server 60 a
first download source URL to access first processed data for which
first data processing completion confirmation was executed in S631.
Further, the first processed data reception information request
information is information to request of the mediation server 60
first processed data reception information for identifying a job
which generated the first processed data for which the data
processing completion confirmation was executed in S631. In S761,
the CPU 72 generates the first download source URL and the first
processed data reception information, and sends the first download
source URL and the first processed data reception information to
the multi-function peripheral 10.
[0082] In S763, download request information to download the first
processed data identified by the first processed data reception
information is sent to the data processing server 200 by the CPU 22
of the multi-function peripheral 10. In S765, the CPU 272 of the
data processing server 200 sends the first processed data specified
by the download request information to the multi-function
peripheral 10.
[0083] In the data processing server 200, when the first data
processing is executed for 100 KB at a time, in S765 the processed
data may be sent 100 KB at a time to the multi-function peripheral
10 in response to the download request information sent in S763. In
this case, the CPU 22 of the multi-function peripheral 10 may
repeat the sending of the download request information of S763, and
repeat the receiving of the first processed data of S765 until the
minimum data amount which can undergo print processing by the print
executing unit has been received. The minimum data amount which can
undergo print processing by the print executing unit may be an
amount sufficient to cause one carriage pass of an ink head in case
the print executing unit 18 is an ink jet printer, and an amount
sufficient to print one page of printing paper in case the print
executing unit 18 is a laser printer.
[0084] In S767, the CPU 22 of the multi-function peripheral 10
causes the print executing unit 18 to execute the first print
process. Thus, a print result as illustrated in the first print
result 301 (see FIG. 18) can be obtained. The first print process
may be executed using a smallest printable unit of the print data.
For example, in case the print executing unit 18 is the ink jet
printer, the print process may be executed in units of lines. In
case the print executing unit 18 is the laser printer, the print
process may be executed in one page units of printing paper.
[0085] When the first print process is complete, in S769 the CPU 22
sends first print completion notification information, indicating
that the print process has been completed, to the mediation server
60.
[0086] Processing contents of a second print processing period P2
(S1615 to S1769) will be described. The second print processing
period P2 is a period for executing the second print process. In
S1615, the CPU 72 generates second print mode selection screen data
for causing a second print mode selection screen 213 to be
displayed, and generates second print parameter setting screen data
for causing a second print parameter setting screen 220 to be
displayed. In S1617, the CPU 72 sends the second print mode
selection screen data and the second print parameter setting screen
data to the multi-function peripheral 10.
[0087] When receiving the second print mode selection screen data
and the second print parameter setting screen data from the
mediation server 60, in S1619 the CPU 22 of the multi-function
peripheral 10 causes the second print mode selection screen 213 to
be displayed on the display unit 14. FIG. 13 shows an example of
the second print mode selection screen 213. The second print mode
selection screen 213 includes a message image M12 and button images
B41 to B43. The message image M12 is an image for requesting the
user to select whether to execute the second print process, which
is final printing. The button images B41 and B42 are images for
receiving selection of whether to execute the second print
process.
[0088] The button image B43 is an image for receiving instruction
to cause the second print parameter setting screen to be displayed.
When the button image B43 is selected, the second print parameter
setting screen 220 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. The second print
parameter setting screen 220 is a screen for setting various print
settings in the print process of the second processed data in
S1767. The second print parameter setting screen 220 includes
button images B61 to B64. The button images B61 to B64 are
respectively images for receiving setting input of each of the
print settings "printing paper size", "printing paper type", "print
resolution" and "print mode".
[0089] When the user selects the button image B41 or B42 in the
second print mode selection screen 213 in FIG. 13, in S1621 the CPU
22 sends, to the mediation server 60, second print mode
identification information for identifying the instruction contents
of the user, and a second print parameter. In S1623, the CPU 72 of
the mediation server 60 determines whether the instruction contents
of the user instruct execution of the second print process. When a
negative determination is made (S1623: NO), the process proceeds to
S2615, and when a positive determination is made (S1623: YES), the
process proceeds to second data processing wait processing A2.
[0090] When executing the second data processing on the upload
data, the second data processing wait processing A2 is a process
causing the multi-function peripheral 10 to wait until the
completion of the second data processing. The processing contents
of the second data processing wait processing A2 are the same as
the processing contents of the first data processing wait
processing A1 described above (see S631 to S651). Hence, a detailed
description to FIG. 5 will be omitted.
[0091] In S1660, the CPU 272 of the mediation server 60 sends the
generated data number query information to the data processing
server 200. The generated data number query information is
information for enquiring, from the data processing server 200,
about the number of pieces of second processed data that have been
generated by the second data processing. In S1665, the CPU 272
receives, from the data processing server 200, second processed
data generation number information indicating the number of pieces
of second processed data that were generated.
[0092] The process of S1753 to S1769 is a process to cause the
multi-function peripheral 10 to execute a print process using the
second processed data generated by the second data processing. In
S1753, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 generates second
processed data reception command information. The second processed
data reception command information is information indicating a
command for causing the multi-function peripheral 10 to obtain the
second processed data from the data processing server 200. Further,
the second print parameter received from the multi-function
peripheral 10 in S1621 and second processed number information are
added to the second processed data reception command information.
The second processed number information is the number of pieces of
second processed data that undergoes the print process. The number
of pieces of second processed data instructed by the second
processed number information may be the same as the generated
number of pieces of second processed data indicated in the second
processed data generation number information received in S1665.
Further, the second processed data reception command information
may be described by a URL description method.
[0093] In S1757 the CPU 72 sends the second processed data
reception command information to the multi-function peripheral 10.
In S1759, the CPU 22 of the multi-function peripheral 10 sends
second download source URL request information and the second
processed data reception information request information to the
mediation server 60. The second download source URL request
information is information to request of the mediation server 60 a
second download source URL to access second processed data. In
S1761, the CPU 72 generates the second download source URL and the
second processed data reception information, and sends the second
download source URL and the second processed data reception
information to the multi-function peripheral 10.
[0094] In S1763, download request information to download the
second processed data identified by the second processed data
reception information is sent to the data processing server 200 by
the CPU 22 of the multi-function peripheral 10. In S1765, the CPU
272 of the data processing server 200 sends the second processed
data specified by the download request information to the
multi-function peripheral 10.
[0095] In S1767, the CPU 22 of the multi-function peripheral 10
causes the print executing unit 18 to execute the second print
process. Thus, a print result as illustrated in the second print
result 302 (see FIG. 19) can be obtained. When the second print
process is complete, in S1769 the CPU 22 sends second print
completion notification information, indicating that the print
process has been completed, to the mediation server 60.
[0096] Processing contents of a saving processing period P3 (S2615
to S2869) will be described. The saving processing period P3 is a
period for executing the saving process. In S2615, the CPU 72
generates saving mode selection screen data for causing a saving
mode selection screen 214 to be displayed. In S2617, the CPU 72
sends the saving mode selection screen data to the multi-function
peripheral 10.
[0097] When receiving the saving mode selection screen data from
the mediation server 60, in S2619 the CPU 22 of the multi-function
peripheral 10 causes the saving mode selection screen 214 to be
displayed on the display unit 14. FIG. 15 shows an example of the
saving mode selection screen 214. The saving mode selection screen
214 includes a message image M13 and button images B51, B52. The
message image M13 is an image for requesting the user to select
whether to execute the saving process. The button images B51 and
B52 are images for receiving selection of whether to execute the
saving process.
[0098] When the user selects the button image B51 or B52, in S2621
the CPU 22 sends saving mode identification information for
identifying the instruction contents of the user to the mediation
server 60. In S2623, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60
determines whether the instruction contents of the user instruct
execution of the saving process. When a negative determination is
made (S2623: NO), the process proceeds to S2867, and when a
positive determination is made (S2623: YES), the process proceeds
to third data processing wait processing A3.
[0099] When executing the third data processing on the upload data,
the third data processing wait processing A3 is a process causing
the multi-function peripheral 10 to wait until the completion of
the third data processing. The processing contents of the third
data processing wait processing A3 are the same as the processing
contents of the first data processing wait processing Al described
above (see S631 to S651). Hence, a detailed description to FIG. 6
will be omitted.
[0100] In S2660, the CPU 272 of the mediation server 60 sends the
generated data number query information to the data processing
server 200. The generated data query information is information for
enquiring, from the data processing server 200, about the number of
pieces of third processed data that have been generated by the
third data processing. In S2665, the CPU 272 receives, from the
data processing server 200, third processed data generation number
information indicating the number of pieces of third processed data
that were generated.
[0101] The process of S2753 to S2769 is a process to cause the
multi-function peripheral 10 to store the third processed data
generated by the third data processing. In S2753, the CPU 72 of the
mediation server 60 generates third processed data reception
command information. The third processed data reception command
information is information indicating a command for causing the
multi-function peripheral 10 to obtain the third processed data
from the data processing server 200. Further, third processed
number information is added to the third processed data reception
command information. The third processed number information is the
number of pieces of third processed data that undergoes the saving
process. The number of pieces of third processed data instructed by
the third processed number information may be the same as the
generated number of pieces of third processed data indicated in the
third processed data generation number information received in
S2665. Further, the third processed data reception command
information may be described by a URL description method.
[0102] Since the processing contents executed in S2757 to S2765 are
the same as the processing contents executed in S757 to S765 (see
FIG. 4) as described above, a description thereof is omitted here.
In S2767, the CPU 22 of the multi-function peripheral 10 executes
the saving process. Specifically, the third processed data obtained
from the data processing server 200 is stored in the memory 24.
When the saving process is completed, in S2769 the CPU 22 sends
saving completion notification information indicating that the
saving process has been completed, to the mediation server 60. In
S2867, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 sends processing
completion notification information to the multi-function
peripheral 10. In S2869, the CPU 22 of the multi-function
peripheral 10 causes a completion screen to be displayed on the
display unit 14. Thus, the flow ends.
[0103] On the other hand, in case the function identification
information indicates download print (S514: download print) in S514
(see FIG. 2), the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 proceeds to
S929 (see FIG. 7). In S929, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60
generates service selection screen data for causing a service
selection screen 230 to be displayed. In S931, the CPU 72 sends the
service selection screen data to the multi-function peripheral 10.
In receiving the service selection screen data from the mediation
server 60, in S933 the CPU 22 of the multi-function peripheral 10
causes the service selection screen 230 to be displayed on the
display unit 14. Thereby, the CPU 22 receives the selection of
service. As shown in FIG. 16, the service selection screen 230
includes button images B71 and B72.
[0104] By operating the operating unit 12, the user selects a
button image, from the service selection screen 230, representing a
contents server which is to upload the data. In the present
embodiment, the description will continue using, as an example, a
case that the user selects the button image B71 (i.e., the contents
server 100). In S935, the CPU 22 sends service identification
information corresponding to the button image selected by the user
to the mediation server 60. In the illustrative example of the
present embodiment, service identification information including a
server name "Server 100" is sent to the mediation server. That is,
the service identification information may be information
indicating the selected button.
[0105] In S1031, the CPU 72 sends data information request
information to the contents server 100. The data information
request information is information for requesting data information.
The data information is information to identify each of the
plurality of data that is being stored in the selected contents
server. A file name is an example of the data information. In
receiving the data information request information from the
mediation server 60, in S1033 the contents server 100 sends the
data information to the mediation server 60.
[0106] Processing contents of a first print processing period P11
(S1034 to S3769) will be described. The first print processing
period P11 is a period for executing the first print process using
download data. In S1034, based on the data information received in
S1033, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 generates the first
print mode selection screen data for causing a first print mode
selection screen 212a and a data selection screen to be displayed.
In S1035, the CPU 72 sends the first print mode selection screen
data to the multi-function peripheral 10.
[0107] When receiving the first print mode selection screen data
from the mediation server 60, in S1037 the CPU 22 of the
multi-function peripheral 10 causes the first print mode selection
screen 212a to be displayed on the display unit 14. FIG. 17 shows
an example of the first print mode selection screen 212a. The first
print mode selection screen 212a includes the message image Ml l
and button images B31, B32, B33a. The contents of the message image
M11 and the button images B31 and B32 have already been described
using FIG. 12, and consequently a description thereof is omitted
here. The button image B33a is an image for receiving an
instruction to cause the data selection screen to be displayed. If
the button image B33a is selected, a data selection screen (not
shown) is displayed on the display unit 14. The data selection
screen is a screen for causing the user to select data to be
downloaded. Then, the CPU 22 receives a process for selecting
selected data from among the plurality of pieces of data stored in
the contents server 100. The selected data is data selected from
the contents server 100 as the download target. The CPU 22 may
receive a process for selecting a plurality of pieces of selected
data. The user operates the operating unit 12 to select a button
image for accessing the data selected for download from the data
selection screen. A button image displayed to include an image data
file name is an example of the button image for accessing the data
selected for download. The button image may be displayed to include
a thumbnail of image data corresponding to the button.
[0108] When the user selects the button image B31 or B32 in the
first print mode selection screen 212a in FIG. 17, in S1041 the CPU
22 sends, to the mediation server 60, data selection instruction
information corresponding to the button image selected by the user.
The data selection instruction information is information for
identifying the selected data. The data selection instruction
information may be described by a URL description method. In S1050,
the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 determines whether the
instruction contents of the user instruct execution of the first
print process. When a negative determination is made (S1050: NO),
the process proceeds to S4615, and when a positive determination is
made (S1050: YES), the process proceeds to S3753. The processing
contents executed in each of S3753 to S3769 are the same as
processing contents executed in each of S753 to S769 (see FIG. 4)
described above, and consequently a description thereof is omitted
here.
[0109] Processing contents of a second print processing period P12
(S4615 to S4769) will be described. The second print processing
period P12 is a period for executing the second print process using
the download data. The processing contents executed in each of
S4615 to S4769 are the same as processing contents executed in each
of S1615 to S1769 (see FIG. 5) described above, and consequently a
description thereof is omitted here.
[0110] Processing contents of a saving processing period P13 (S5615
to S5869) will be described. The saving processing period P3 is a
period for executing the saving process using the download data.
The processing contents executed in each of S5615 to S5869 are the
same as processing contents executed in each of S2615 to S2869 (see
FIG. 6) described above, and consequently a description thereof is
omitted here.
[0111] (Effect)
[0112] In the communication system 2 described in the present
specification, it is possible to cause the display unit 14 of the
multi-function peripheral 10 to display (S619, S1619) the first
print mode selection screen 212 for receiving whether or not to
execute the first print process (see FIG. 12), or the second print
mode selection screen 213 for receiving whether or not to execute
the second print process (see FIG. 13). Thus, it is possible to
cause the user to execute a plurality of types of print process in
a selectable manner.
[0113] By executing the first print process (S767), it is possible
to confirm the print mode in the second print process before
executing the second print process (S1767). Thus, the occurrence of
printing failure in the second print process can be suppressed.
Further, the first print process (S767) functions as a trial
printing of the second print process (S1767). Consequently, the
print resolution of the first print process can be lower than the
print resolution of the second print process. Thus, processing time
of the first print process, the amount of ink used in the first
print process, etc. can be suppressed compared to the second print
process. Further, the grade (e.g., normal paper) of the printing
paper used in the first print process can be lower than the grade
(e.g., inkjet paper) of the printing paper used in the second print
process. Thus, print cost of the first print process can be
suppressed compared to the second print process.
[0114] The mediation server 60 can set the first processed number
information, which is added to the first processed data reception
command information, to "1" regardless of the generated number of
pieces of first processed data or the number of print copies in the
second print process (S753). Thus, when a plurality of pieces of
processed data is generated, or when the number of print copies is
a plurality, it is possible in the first print process to execute
the trial printing of one part for one of the plurality of pieces
of processed data. Hence, it is possible to suppress the number of
printed papers in the first print process.
[0115] It is possible to include, in the first print result 301
(see FIG. 18), the message image M21 in addition to the second
print image G2 for confirming the processing mode in the second
print process. Thus, the user can be made to recognize that the
first print process and the second print process are different
print processes, that the first print result 301 is a result
generated by the first print process, and that the first print
result 301 is a trial printing result for confirming the print mode
in the second print process. Hence, it is possible to prevent the
user from reversing the print processes. Further, the user can be
made to recognize the method of positioning the printing paper when
the second print process is to be executed. Hence, the occurrence
of printing failure in the second print process can be
suppressed.
[0116] It is possible to include the message image M22 in addition
to the second print image G2 in the first print result 301 (see
FIG. 18). Thus, the user can be made to recognize the printing
direction of the image to be printed by the second print process,
and consequently the occurrence of printing failure in the second
print process can be suppressed.
[0117] The first to third data processings on the upload data can
be executed by the data processing server 200 (S631 to S651, A2,
A3). Thus, it is not necessary for the first to third data
processings to be executed by the multi-function peripheral 10, and
consequently the processing load of the multi-function peripheral
10 can be reduced.
[0118] It is possible to cause the multi-function peripheral 10 to
download the download data from the contents server 100 and to
execute the first and the second print processes and the saving
process (S3767, S4767, S5767). Thus, it is possible to cause the
multi-function peripheral 10 to execute processing using various
download data.
[0119] The data processings (S631 to S651, A2, A3) on the image
data generated by the document being read by the multi-function
peripheral 10 (S565) can be executed by the data processing server
200, which is an external device of the multi-function peripheral
10. Then, the multi-function peripheral 10 can be caused to execute
the first and the second print processes and the saving process
using the processed data which has undergone the data processing
(S3767, S4767, S5767). Thus, it is possible to execute the first
and the second print processes and the saving process on the scan
data which has undergone various processing.
[0120] In the data processing server 200, it is possible to execute
parallel processing of the three processings which are the first to
third data processings, on the upload data which is in common
(S601, S605, S609). Thus, the time required to complete all of the
first to third data processings can be reduced.
[0121] The second print parameter setting screen 220 (see FIG. 14)
can be displayed on the display unit 14 of the multi-function
peripheral 10 (S1619), and the second print parameter setting
screen 220 can receive the input of various print settings in the
print process of the second processed data. Thus, the print mode
can be confirmed by the first print process (S767), and the
confirmation result can be reflected in the second print process
(S1767). Hence, the second print process can be executed in the
manner intended by the user.
[0122] The CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 adds the first print
parameter stored in the print parameter storage area 76 to the
first processed data reception command information (S753). Thus, it
is possible to cause the multi-function peripheral 10 to execute
the first print process using the predetermined print setting
(S753). Since it is not necessary to cause the user to input the
print setting of the first print process, convenience to the user
can be increased.
[0123] The saving mode selection screen 214 (see FIG. 15) can be
displayed on the display unit 14 of the multi-function peripheral
10 (S2619), and the saving mode selection screen 214 can receive
the input of whether to execute the saving process. Then, when the
instruction to execute the saving process has been input (S2623:
YES), the third processed data obtained from the data processing
server 200 can be stored in the memory 24 (S2767). Thus, it is
possible to cause the user to obtain the processed data.
[0124] According to the relaying device, etc. described in the
present specification, the contents servers 100 and 110 which store
the data used in the first and the second print processes, and the
mediation server 60 can be configured as separate entities. Thus,
it is possible to prevent the mediation server 60 from being
affected when editing or maintenance of the data used in the first
and the second print processes is performed.
[0125] The data processing server 200 which executes the first to
third data processings, and the mediation server 60 can be
configured as separate entities. Thus, the processing load of the
mediation server 60 can be reduced.
[0126] The first to third processed data reception command
information (S757, S1757, S2757), the first to third download
source URLs and the first to third processed data reception
information (S761, S1761, S2761), the first to third processed data
(S765, S1765, S2765), etc. can be obtained by the multi-function
peripheral 10 by using a URL. Since a URL is a protocol that is
generally used, it is possible to eliminate the need to provide a
dedicated protocol for communication between the mediation server
60 and the multi-function peripheral 10.
[0127] The wait command can be sent to the multi-function
peripheral 10 until the completion of the first to third data
processings (the first data processing wait processing Al to the
third data processing wait processing A3). Thus, an error such as
timeout can be prevented from occurring in the multi-function
peripheral 10.
[0128] While specific embodiments of the present invention have
been described in detail above, such description is for
illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope
and claims of the invention. Techniques described in the claims of
the invention include various modifications and changes made to the
specific examples illustrated above. Variants according to the
above embodiments are listed below.
[0129] (First Variant)
[0130] The mode for causing the user to select whether to execute
the first print process may vary. A setting of whether the first
print process is to be executed may be stored by the mediation
server 60. This will be described using the sequence diagram of
FIG. 20. In S612b, the CPU 72 of the mediation server 60 determines
whether a first print execution flag is being stored in the memory
74. The first print execution flag is information for storing the
user instruction for whether the first print process is to be
executed. When a positive determination is made (S612b: YES), the
process proceeds to S623b, and when a negative determination is
made (S612b: NO), the process proceeds to S615b.
[0131] In S615b, the CPU 72 generates first print setting screen
data for causing a first print setting screen 250 to be displayed.
In S617b, the CPU 72 sends the first print setting screen data to
the multi-function peripheral 10. In S619b, the CPU 22 of the
multi-function peripheral 10 causes the first print setting screen
250 to be displayed on the display unit 14. FIG. 21 shows an
example of the first print setting screen 250. The first print
setting screen 250 includes a message image M31 and button images
B81, B82. The message image M31 is an image for requesting the user
to select a setting of whether to always execute the first print
process. The button images B81 and B82 are images for receiving
selection of whether to perform the setting.
[0132] The user operates the operating unit 12 to select the button
image B81 or B82. In S621b, the CPU 22 sends first print setting
identification information for identifying the instruction contents
of the user to the mediation server 60. In S622b, the CPU 72 of the
mediation server 60 stores the first print execution flag in the
memory 74 in response to a user instruction.
[0133] In S623b, the CPU 72 determines the instruction contents of
the first print execution flag. If the instruction contents are to
execute the first print process (S623b: Execute), the process
proceeds to S631 (see FIG. 4), and if the instruction contents are
to not execute the first print process (S623b: Do Not Execute), the
process proceeds to S1615 (see FIG. 5). Thus, since it is
sufficient for the user to give the instruction once as to whether
to execute the first print process, convenience to the user can be
increased.
[0134] (Second Variant)
[0135] The setting of whether to execute the first print process
may be stored in the multi-function peripheral 10. In this case,
the first print execution flag described above may be stored in the
memory 24. The first print execution flag may be MIB (referred to
as Management Information Base) information which can be presented
externally. Then, in S612b in FIG. 20 the CPU 72 of the mediation
server 60 may query the multi-function peripheral 10 as to whether
the first print execution flag is being stored in the memory 24 of
the multi-function peripheral 10, and receive a query result from
the multi-function peripheral 10. The CPU 72 may execute the
determination of S612b or S623b based on the query result. Thus,
since it is sufficient for the user to give the instruction once as
to whether to execute the first print process, convenience to the
user can be increased.
[0136] (Third Variant)
[0137] In the first print processing period P11 (S1034 to S3769),
the first to third data processings may be executed on the download
data. Specifically, when the mediation server 60 receives the data
selection instruction information from the multi-function
peripheral 10 (S1041), the mediation server 60 may download
selected data indicated by the data selection instruction
information from the contents server 100. Then, the mediation
server 60 may upload the downloaded data to the data processing
server 200. Subsequently, as described in S601 to S611, the
mediation server 60 may request the execution of the first to third
data processing to the data processing server 200. Then, as
described for the first print processing period P1 to the saving
processing period P3, the multi-function peripheral 10 may obtain
the first to third processed data from the data processing server
200, and execute various processes. Thus, after the data processing
has been executed on the data output from the contents servers 100
and 110, it is possible to cause the multi-function peripheral 10
to print or obtain the processed data. Since it is not necessary
for the data processing to be executed in the multi-function
peripheral 10, the processing load of the multi-function peripheral
10 can be reduced.
[0138] (Other Variants)
[0139] The first data processing wait processing A1 to the third
data processing wait processing A3 can be omitted. Thus, generally
speaking, it is sufficient for the relaying device to include at
least "sending first screen information to the image processing
device", "sending first print information to the image processing
device" and "sending second print information to the image
processing device". As a specific example, the relaying device may
execute at least S617 or S617b, S757 or S761 or S765, and S1757 or
S1761 or S1765.
[0140] An example has been described in which the second print
parameter setting screen 220 in FIG. 14 is a different screen to
the second print mode selection screen 213 in FIG. 13, but the
screen is not limited to this form. The display contents of both
screens may be displayed simultaneously in one screen.
[0141] An example has been described in which three data
processings, i.e., the first to third data processings, are
executed. However, the processing is not limited to this form, and
the processing may be such that at least one data processing is
executed. For example, the first print process (S767) and the
second print process (S1767) may be executed using the first
processed data generated by the first data processing.
[0142] The number of applications that is stored in the data
processing server 200 is not limited to the three applications
which are the A application 281 to the C application 283. The
number of applications may be two or less, or four or more.
[0143] The data processing upload destination URL which the CPU 72
sends to the multi-function peripheral 10 in S579 is not limited to
a URL of a data processing server 200 but a URL of a recording
medium which the data processing server 200 can access.
[0144] In the present embodiment, a case was explained in which
contents servers 100 and 110 are connected to the Internet 6; but
three or more contents servers may be connected to the Internet
6.
[0145] In the embodiment, the case is described in which the CPUs
22, 72, and 272 of the multi-function peripheral 10, the mediation
server 60, and the conversion server 200 execute processing
according to software, but is not limited thereto. At least a part
of functions provided according to the software may be provided by
hardware such as a logic circuit.
* * * * *